Drunken Drafting: Volume 2

After months of workouts and what seems like weeks of speculation (both trade and draft related), the most exciting day of the NBA year is finally here. Normally, I’d be too nervous to put together any sort of column this close to the draft. However, the Orlando Magic are without a first round draft pick this year, which leaves me plenty of time ponder the endless possibilities of this draft without swallowing my own tongue at the thought of names like Fran Vasquez, Jeryl Sasser and JJ Red…Whoa! Sorry about that. It seems the memories of drafts past are still a little too fresh for me.

Anyway, its been a strangely enjoyable lead up to the draft this year. Instead of pining for the likes of Brandon Roy and Channing Frye (can I get a mulligan on that one?), like each of the last two years, while knowing full well that the Magic wouldn’t make a drastic (read: ballsy) move to acquire players who fit their team’s needs this June, I’ve been able to sit back, relax and read up on the pre-draft process with a (fairly) impartial and decidedly unemotional take on all things draft related. Its been strangely therapeutic. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still rather that the Magic have a first round pick this year. Its just that I don’t have the sense of impending doom hanging over my head like so many cartoon storm clouds. The only thing about this draft that even causes me to have any type of homeriffic interest is the overwhelming Florida Gator representation in this year’s draft. However, even that is lessened by the probability that all three of the “big three” Gators will go within the first ten picks tonight. I’m much more interested in seeing where Taurean Green ends up and whether or not Chris Richard gets drafted than in the exact positions or specific teams who select the Noah, Brewer, Horford triumvirate.

I’m not going to do a mock draft or even give many opinions on the projected first round picks as it’s a little busy here today. ( I will predict that Jason Smith is playing in Europe in less than 4 years, for what its worth). I’ll get to that some time this weekend once the draft day maneuvering is over, as much of a draftee’s early success can be attributed to the team which selects them. What I am going to do is list a few of the players whom I’d like to see the Magic select in Round 2. There will be some solid players still available in Round 2 for the organization that does their homework (read: Not Orlando) so lets get right to my second round sleepers.

Nick Fazekas: I wouldn’t go within two miles of this guy in the first, or even early second, but he represents some value in the mid-second with his shooting and passing ability. He’s a defensive liability for sure, but Dwight Howard should be able to cover up for that a little.

Ramon Sessions: I wish this guy had tested positive for meth at the pre-draft camp in Orlando because I don’t think there’s a chance that he lasts until the Magic’s pick at 44. (Why did they give up their highest 2nd rounder to the Heat again? Couldn’t they have traded #54 for Stan Van Skunky?). However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t think he’d be great for the Magic. He’s a big (6’3) point who plays unselfishly and provides solid defense. He’s a couple years away from starting (needs to tighten up his jumper) but the Magic are a couple years away from contending.

Marcus Williams: I’m not completely in love with this guys game as he seems a little lax on D and somewhat petulant at times but he can really score. He’s the epitome of a natural scorer. He's a good, not great shooter who finds a way to get the ball in the bucket from all angles. With Hedo Turkoglu possibly heading out of town (please God), Williams would be a nice addition off the bench at the 2/3 and provide the Magic with many of the attributes that are lacking in Trevor Ariza’s game at the moment.

Ali Traore: I’ve seen a couple mocks that have the Magic taking him at 44, which would be great. He’s big (6’9), strong and very proficient offensively in the post. He even (reportedly) has a solid stroke out to 15 feet. In my (extremely optimistic) mind’s eye I’ve imagined him as a European Chris Gatling. You know the type: Good scorer with an array of post moves and solid athleticism. Not quite good enough to start on a contender but a terror as a second unit scorer. Am I going overboard here? Yeah, probably. Oh yeah, one more thing that reminds me of Gatling: Traore is apparently not a very enthusiastic rebounder. That’s okay, Dwight will get all the rebounds. All the rebounds.

Renaldas Seibutis: Admittedly, I know very little about this kid. Here’s what I know: He’s Lithuanian, athletic, has good size (6’5) and is a little more aggressive going to the hoop than the average Euro guard. He’s also got a ton of offensive skill and just needs to fill out a bit (185 lbs.) and gain a little more experience against high level competition. This is exactly the kind of guy that smart organizations draft in the mid second round (after they’ve fallen a bit) and stash in Europe for a few years while they continue to develop. Which, of course, is exactly why the Magic have probably never even heard of this kid.

Some others I like in Round 2 (that I think might actually be around when the Magic are selecting): Reyshawn Terry, Joao Gomes, Alando Tucker, DJ Strawberry, Demetris Nichols & Jared Jordan.

I’ll be back tonight with some thoughts in the comments section. Feel free to stop by and laugh at me. There’s a good chance I’ll be drunk (day off tomorrow!) and belligerent so it should be fun.